What are the Cultural Barriers for Native Americans and Hispanics Entering Science in Our Educational System

by Haris Amin in Education, March 2, 2009

Studies point toward Native Americans and Hispanics having distinct cultural values, such as respect for elders and compliance to authority, taciturnity, tribal hierarchy, patrimonial relations, and a key emphasis on physical learning, which are acutely ingrained in elderly teachings.

Social Customs

Elders have a prestigious status in the Hispanic family because of their experience. Family members look to elders for advice. An individual who becomes sick will turn first to family members, especially elders, for support, comfort and advice. They may recommend safe, simple home remedies.

In the traditional household, the man is the head of the family and makes all major decisions. There is a strong sense of Paternalism what most Westerners call “Male Dominance”, but the female’s role is equivalent and she is the maternal powerhouse in her home. The truth is women are sacred and revered, often protected, not because she can’t handle herself or has no voice, but because the solidarity of the family unit depends on her well being.

Barriers for Hispanics to Science and Mathematics Studies and Careers

Barriers for Hispanics entering science and math are the same factors that cause their attrition from formal schooling. Many of these barriers can be traced to differences in their culture and in the majority American culture, and include (a) alienation of parents in the education process; (b) language; (c) income disparity and poverty (d) failure of the system to identify students in danger of dropping out; and (e) a shortage of role models in education as well as in the sciences and mathematics (Schuhmann, 1992).

Read more in Education

« Bullies That Rule

High School Social Studies: How is It Faring with NCLB’s Focus in Elementary School? »

Hispanics are divergent thinkers, yet many of our educational practices (particularly traditional assessments) call for convergent thinking. The learning preferences of Hispanics have been ignored, and Hispanics have been expected to “fit in” with the majority. Hispanics have had to fight unspoken values, and many Hispanic students have faced negative preconceived expectations from society and teachers. With an increase in immigration, the need for bilingual instruction has increased while funding for bilingual education has decreased.

The author conducted a pilot study in a Southern California high school, inquiring about Hispanic students’ personal beliefs and family values related to success in science and mathematics studies and careers. Results indicated that ninth and tenth grade Hispanic students have received limited encouragement from family members and teachers to pursue careers in science and math. Hispanic students were asked why their peers do not enter science and math programs. Their answers included the following:

Parents discourage them
Students discourage them
Teachers discourage them
Low self-esteem
Background
Some people don’t like science because they get bad grades
Program evaluators base their opinions only on grades instead of the actual person’s potential
Some kids don’t even think about it so they don’t even care. Some kids don’t know when programs are up. Some don’t even care
Work
Intimidation of not knowing all the material
People find it difficulty, boring. Financial trouble
It’s the money

Native Americans

Native Americans have most diverse and richly storied culture. With their gilded history that is rich in conflict, effort and success, the Native American culture is multicolored. Many features and aspects of our modern day living have been adapted from practiced customs and rituals of the old Native American cultures and traditions.